Giovanni Battista Pergolesi - Pergolesi or - it is very well known Italian composer (1710-1736), extreme value, who died so young, at the age of 26 years; irretrievable loss for music history. This CD gives us his three most known compositions of sacred music: the famous "Stabat Mater" and the two "Salve Regina". And this by an outstanding team of interpreters: the countertenor Andreas Scholl and soprano Barbara Bonney, grouped around all Lyriques Talents led by Christophe Rousset. Who has never heard (track 1) the first steps of the famous "Stabat Mater", with its instrumental introduction to which is added the duo two solo voices? Wonder of wonders, especially in this interpretation! Subsequently, duets and arias succeed with great cohesion of bringing us together in the heart of the drama of the "Mother of Sorrows" (the Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross). Duo track 8 ("Fact ut ardeat cor meum") until the end of track 12 ("Amen"), that makes us feel united team - despite the pain - some hope. The voices of the two soloists are often almost seraphic. As for the instrumental support, it appears as exemplary. The "Salve Regina in F minor" is sung by Andreas Scholl alone. This hello to the "Queen" ("We salute you, Queen"), that is to say to the Virgin Mary, is - also - beautifully highlighted. Vocal technique of Andreas Scholl is really excellent, as well as his mastery of the header register, characteristic of countertenors jobs. The "Salve Regina in A minor" is entrusted, meanwhile, Barbara Bonney, whose gentle voice crystal clear stamp - sometimes almost transparent - is an almost crystalline beauty. Here, in my opinion, one of the finest lyrical albums of the year 1999. We can only advise those who may not know to go to his discovery, although other quality interpretations exist, on the record market for these three beautiful and deeply moving partitions.